B.E. Biotechnology is a field of engineering which incorporates the principles of Bioprocess Engineering, Biology, Chemistry and Computational analysis. This Engineering Biotechnology can be defined as applications of life sciences to manufacturing, chemical synthesis and design of fermentation processes.

Programmes Offered:

B.E. in Biotechnology

M.Tech. in Industrial Biotechnology

Ph.D. Biotechnology

The undergraduate Biotechnology Programme (B.E.) in MIT was started in the academic year 2005-06. The course objective is to mould students with a technical base for employment in the diverse areas of Biotechnology, where the industry based arena is expanding rapidly. This course has been designed to provide the students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in biochemical engineering, molecular biology, enzymology, bioinformatics etc. to keep pace with latest developments and to cater to the needs of industrial biotechnology sector. This professional course opens up avenues for its graduates to promote entrepreneurship as well as careers in biotechnology related industries.

The department offers a total of eleven laboratories from the 3rd to 7th semester, with 30% weightage to science, 30% to computers and 40% to Bio-processing technology. Students gain hands-on experience in all these three areas, which is unique to the Biotechnology programme at M.I.T., Manipal.

In this programme, while constancy on essential areas of biology and engineering curriculum is maintained, considerable flexibility is built in through the electives offered in the study. The students are encouraged to select areas that fit his/ her aptitude and interest, so that they are allowed to specialise in the area of choice as follows: genetic engineering, process development, computer application in bioprocess, design and development of materials and equipments in bioprocess.

Growth Prospects:

With its agricultural heritage and high technology industrial base, India provides a wide range of opportunities for biotech engineers. Biotechnology-based applications are poised to leave the research lab and enter commercial applications. The students have a wide range of options to choose from after finishing the course. The list shown below is only indicative and not comprehensive. They can consider the options of higher studies like M.Tech, MS, etc, specialising in the field they wish to.

Design and operation of fermentation systems

Development of novel food processing operations

Development of upstream and downstream strategies

Design of new approaches to monitor and control biological processes

Design of alternative bioprocesses to the existing chemical processes

Design of the biological waste water treatment systems for chemical and bioprocess industries

Development of bioinformatics tools for novel applications

Production of cost effective bio-fuels

Research activity:

Projects carried out:

Hydrolysis of rice bran oil using immobilised lipase from Candida rugosa (completed)

On going projects:

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Studies on Color removal from waste water
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Mathematical Modeling and Control Design of a Bioreactor for Fermentation process

Remediation of Hydrocarbon Contaminated Soils Through Indigenous Microbial Biosurfactants

Aqueous two phase systems for the recovery of biomolecules from tannery waste water

Production and purification of fabrinolytic enzymes

Contact information:

Dr. V.Ramachandra Murty
Professor and Head
Dept of Biotechnology,
MIT, Manipal – 576104
Phone: 91-0820-2924321
Email: murty.vytla@manipal.edu
URL: www.manipal.edu

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